Reaction path modelling illustrating the fluid history of a natural CO2-H2S reservoir

Abstract

Despite the increasing interest in geologic co-sequestration of CO2 and H2S, the long-term consequences of the chemical interactions involved in this process remain largely unknown on a reservoir scale. A Mississippian aged CO2-H2S reservoir in LaBarge Field, Wyoming, USA is an ideal study site to investigate mineral and fluid reactions related to gaseous H2S and CO2. We conducted two reaction path models based on mineralogical, fluid, gas, and stable isotope compositional data to discern the role of CO2 influx upon the generation of H2S through thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR). We discriminate between two models-one in which TSR is triggered by temperature at a given burial depth and one where TSR is triggered by ingress of CO2. The reaction path model based upon burial-controlled TSR and later CO2 influx is consistent with mineralogical observations and stable isotope measurements from drill cores. The models show that CO2 influx leads to calcite precipitation which is only limited by the calcium concentration in the fluid. This modelling approach is useful in constraining the timing of fluid flux in the reservoir and gives further insight into the mineralogical consequences of the gas, water, and rock interactions occurring in the reservoir. In terms of geologic co-sequestration this implies that the addition of CO2 into a reducing carbonate system can result in calcite precipitation, instead of anhydrite as previously thought. Furthermore, it is only limited by the availability of Ca2+ and will therefore not diminish the amount of H2S in the system.